Lineman killed in Westfield

December 27, 2012

WESTFIELD A lineman was killed Wednesday and another was injured after being hit by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon.

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OBSERVER Photo by Chip RiewaldtPolice closed down Route 394 after two linemen were hit by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon.

Troopers from State Police at Fredonia were dispatched by Chautauqua County 911 to Route 394, about two miles south of the village of Westfield.

The investigation revealed two employees of CTS Telecommunications of Orrville, Ohio were working outside of their parked utility bucket truck on the east shoulder of the road. The bucket arm on the truck was extended horizontally about 1 foot off the ground, with the men standing behind it. A car being driven by 58-year-old Trudy Williams of Clymer-Corry Road, Clymer was traveling north, approaching the men, when it drifted onto the shoulder. Both men were struck by the car.

Billy J. Johnson II, 49, of Crown City, Ohio, was thrown into the extended bucket. He struck his head on the bucket and landed on the east shoulder behind the truck. Nathaniel L. Bailey of Glenwood, West Virginia was also struck and thrown under the extended bucket, coming to rest behind the truck.

Johnson was pronounced dead by Chautauqua County Coroner Rick Mackowiak at the scene. Bailey was taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital with internal injuries. Williams, the driver, was also taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital as a precaution.

Route 394 between Mayville and Westfield was closed during the investigation.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Westfield Police Department, New York State Department of Transportation and the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department.

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is continuing the investigation.